“This is an excellent vehicle with a lot of standard features and great optional upgrades. Its worth every penny spent. Driving experience is excellent. Interiors & Exteriors both loudly speak of plushness and luxury. Its a great choice for all ages and genders.”
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA is an all-new, second-generation model with a larger body, a new platform, and a completely redesigned digital cabin. Its headline change is this ground-up redesign rather than a simple styling refresh.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2nd generation (C118), first U.S. model year
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a style-first compact luxury four-door coupe: a smaller car meant to make a strong visual impression while still feeling like a real Mercedes inside. The big draw is the combination of sleek coupe-like design, a digital-heavy cabin, and premium details in a city-friendly size. Compared with more traditional small luxury sedans, the CLA leans harder into design drama and tech-forward presentation than rear-seat space or practicality.
The CLA 250 is the stylish core model, pairing a sleek four-door shape with a panoramic glass roof and a digital cockpit built around two 7-inch displays. It has a 221-hp turbocharged engine, while the CLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for extra traction. The range also gains the more performance-focused AMG CLA 35.
What changed, by category
Structural
The CLA moves to Mercedes-Benz’s newer compact-car platform with a fully redesigned body and chassis. It has a larger footprint and a longer wheelbase than the previous model.
Powertrain
The CLA 250’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rises from 208 to 221 horsepower. The performance-focused AMG CLA 35 also joins the range.
Styling
The exterior is redesigned with a sleeker, lower-looking shape and a wider stance. LED headlights and the panoramic glass roof become standard equipment across the lineup.
Tech
The cabin adopts the MBUX touchscreen system with a digital instrument display, touch controls, “Hey Mercedes” voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and five USB-C ports.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd Double Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd Double Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA begins the second generation with a new platform, a larger body, revised styling, and a completely redesigned cabin.
What is the biggest difference between the 2020 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The biggest difference is that the 2020 CLA is a ground-up redesign. Compared with 2019, it has a newer platform, more interior technology, a stronger base engine, and a larger, sleeker body.
How much power does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 have?
The 2020 CLA 250 has a 221-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, up from 208 horsepower in the 2019 model.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2020 CLA 250 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with the MBUX touchscreen system, “Hey Mercedes” voice control, and five USB-C ports.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2020 CLA 250 4MATIC uses all-wheel drive, while the regular CLA 250 has front-wheel drive.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
4.2
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA
(142 reviews)
“GO for it !!! Looks GREAT, Drives GREAT, Latest Technology ... You can't go wrong”
“Love - Love the car! Absolutely thrilled with the CLA, looks fast, gets compliments literally every day, drives well and has the best technology. Only disadvantage to this car is the audio should be improved. The sound system just doesn't match the vibe of the car.”